Port Authority plans to buy carbon credits

NEW YORK -- The agency that owns the New York City region's airports, bridges and tunnels is gearing up to go green.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today awarded $2.5 million in contracts to carbon brokers. The companies will buy carbon offset credits beginning next year to help reduce the agency's greenhouse gas emissions.

The Port Authority -- which owns four regional airports and six bridges and tunnels -- hopes to become "carbon neutral" by cutting pollution over the next two years. The credits are normally spent on environmentally friendly initiatives, such as solar panels and windmills.

The agency also said drivers and passengers would be able to buy carbon credits online early next year.